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Kenneth Nesland Obituary
KENNETH NESLAND
May 4, 1932 ˜ July 18, 2023
Ken Nesland was born May 4, 1932, in McVille, ND, and died in the hands of his beloved wife on July 18, 2023, in Vancouver, WA. He was raised in North Dakota by his parents, Knute and Carmel (Ophaug) with siblings, Mary Jane Rostberg and Dennis (deceased). Ken excelled in a variety of sports during his childhood, and this love for sport continued throughout his life. After high school, he joined the navy. He received a teaching degree from Mayville State University in Mayville, ND. His 40-year teaching and coaching career took him to North Dakota, South Dakota, California, Oregon and Washington, primarily as a math teacher and basketball coach. He finished at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, WA, retiring in 1997.
Ken is survived by his wife, Pamela Rinta Nesland, of Vancouver; daughters, Belinda Olek (Rick) of North Dakota, Kendra Nesland (June Kloubec) of Bothell, WA; sons, Knute Nesland of Ridgefield, WA, and Derek Nesland (Selene) of Camas, WA; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is remembered best for his sense of humor, his welcoming nature, his love for family, sports, golfing and horse racing.
Ken’s celebration of life will take place Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at East Woods Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, WA.
Special thanks to all the caregivers at the Ashley Hampton, memory care unit, and CDM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Courts for Kids or Alzheimer’s Research.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Nesland
Henry Anderson
August 9, 2025
I will always remember my teaching buddy in thr next door classroom. Rest in peace.
Henry Anderson
August 9, 2024
Will always remember my math partner. We taught math at EHS together. Rooms 502 and 501
Sandy Sulveria
September 3, 2023
Pam and family I was so sorry to hear about Ken. I will always have good memories of neighborly good times and always thankful we have kept in touch. Ken and your family will be in my thoughts. Please take care of yourselves.
Christy Nielsen Doherty
August 20, 2023
I will always remember Mr. Nesland´s kindness; when I struggled with Algebra and asked to transfer to business math, he was so understanding. I recall him walking me down the hall to the other classroom, asking me if I was certain about this decision, offering his help. What a considerate soul; may he rest gently, and his family be comforted as they travel the painful terrain of loss.
Lorrie Schreiner- Young
August 19, 2023
I graduated from Evergreen in 1984 and had Mr Nesland for Algebra
1-2 and 3-4. I was also a teachers aide for him doing attendance, grading papers and documenting the grades in his grade book. He would sit down with me to thoroughly explain how to do the problems, and for that I was grateful. Thank you for the many years teaching students your love of math, Mr Nesland. Rest In Peace
Kendra Nesland
August 19, 2023
Kendra Nesland
August 19, 2023
Kendra Nesland
August 19, 2023
Rick and Deb Avery
August 19, 2023
We have been blessed to have Ken and Pam as neighbors for many years. Prayers for this family
Henry Anderson
August 19, 2023
Ken & I taught math at Evergreen High School; our rooms were next to each other. I have good memories of our interactions in many ways. I ask God to give the family peace and comfort in the knowledge that one day there will be a great reunion in Heaven. RIP
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